Pope Leo XIV has said it is possible to “live together in dignity and peace” as he met migrants and refugees in Paris, France, on Saturday.
The Pope made the remarks during a visit to Maison Bakhita, an association that supports migrants and refugees, on the second day of his four-day visit to France.
Speaking at the centre, Leo said he was pleased to begin his second day in Paris at a place that demonstrated that people could encounter one another and live together in dignity and peace.
He was scheduled to meet women and men of Christian and Muslim faith from Algeria, Belarus, Iraq and Ivory Coast during the visit.
The association described the meeting as a message ahead of France’s elections next year.
Its president, Valerie Moniod, said the Pope’s visit was intended to remind French citizens that, regardless of their political convictions, they share a common humanity and a right to dignity.
The first US pontiff is visiting France as the country prepares for elections next year, with the anti-immigration far right seeking greater influence in the race to replace President Emmanuel Macron.
Later on Saturday, Leo was scheduled to lead an open-air Mass at Place de la Concorde and along the Champs-Élysées, with about 600,000 people expected to attend.
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Macron was not expected to attend the Mass, while several presidential hopefuls, including far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist Edouard Philippe, had confirmed their attendance.
During his visit, Leo has also spoken about the need for ethics in the development of artificial intelligence and urged France to remain a “tireless champion of peace” as the war in Ukraine continues.
On Friday, about 300,000 people reportedly turned out to see the Pope as he travelled through Paris and later addressed young people at a prayer vigil at the Stade de France.
After his Paris engagements, Leo is expected to travel to Lourdes on Sunday, where he will meet seven victims of clerical sexual abuse.
He will then travel to Metz on Monday, where he is expected to deliver a speech focusing on peace in Europe.
